Practice nurses’ perceptions of their immunization role and strategies used to promote measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine uptake in 2014 – 2018: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore which aspects of their role practice nurses perceive to be most influential and the strategies they employ to promote the MMR vaccine. Design: Qualitative study employing in depth interviews. Method: Fifteen London based practice nurses, nine in 2014 and six in 2018, took part in semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to systematically manage, analyse, and identify themes. Results: Analysis of data identified aspects of their role practice nurses perceived to be most influential (the themes) including: promoting vaccination, assisting parents' to make informed decisions, and provided insight into how they used specific strategies to achieve these in practice. These themes were consistent over both phases of the study. Conclusion: The findings provide an understanding of: (i) the practice nurses perceptions of the most important aspects of their role when promoting the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine; and (ii) the strategies they implemented in practice to achieve these. The latter included assisting parents in their immunization decisions and was facilitated by practice nurses engaging with parents to provide relevant evidence to address parent queries, dispel misconceptions and tailor strategies to promote the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Impact: This study addresses the paucity of literature available that specifically explores practice nurses' perceptions of their role concerning the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The findings reveal how practice nurses promote the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine by identifying strategies to enable parents to make informed decisions. At a time of an increasing incidence of measles, practice nurses have an important public health role in achieving herd immunity levels for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Harnessing the nursing contribution to COVID‐19 mass vaccination programmes: Addressing hesitancy and promoting confidence

“…To achieve high uptake of vaccines across all population groups in the UK, community engagement programmes built on established trusting relationships between health professionals, including nurses, and the voluntary sector, faith groups and community organisations are key (DHSC, 2021). Nurses also have a part to play in enabling appropriate information to be disseminated and promoted at the right time, at the right level and in the right format (Bajnok et al, 2018; Hill et al, 2021). Through the use of person‐centred approaches, building partnerships with individuals and communities, vaccine hesitancy may be addressed and vaccine confidence, rather than simply vaccine acceptance, may be achieved.…”

“…In this frame of practice, establishing a trusting relationship and facilitating open and personalized discussions can positively influence immunization decisions. Exploring and responding to concerns and signposting to credible sources of information are also important (Hill et al, 2021). Core areas identified that should be addressed in discussions include the safety, efficacy and purpose of the vaccine (Larson et al, 2014).…”

“…Of all healthcare professionals, nurses provide the closest patient facing care and as such possess a real opportunity to advocate for and promote important public health messages (Bajnok et al, 2018). When applied to the vaccine programmes it is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals lead by example, through role-modelling, to reassure the public that vaccines are safe, low risk and can be easily administered (Hill et al, 2021). Generally, the public place trust in healthcare professionals, relying on their knowledge, expertise and experience to guide them through difficult healthcare decision-making (Mantel et al, 2020).…”

“…Instead of focusing on an individual's hesitancy and perhaps refusal, practitioners should work from a broader health promotion perspective and seek to work in partnership with individuals to promote vaccine confidence, rather than mere acceptance (Harrison & Wu, 2020). In this frame credible sources of information are also important (Hill et al, 2021).…”

MMR Vaccine Attitude and Uptake Research in the United Kingdom: A Critical Review

“…There was also confusion about the particular role of health visitors in vaccination discussions (their primary role is in aiding parents with the care of new-born infants through domestic visits) as opposed to that of nurses or the child's GP. Similarly, Hill et al [51] interviewed 15 practice nurses about their role in promoting the MMR vaccine and what they perceived to be the most influential strategies in achieving this.…”